Everyone in America should have the chance to live a healthy life, regardless of who they are or where they live or how much money they make. That's the backbone of CDC's 24/7 mission - keeping Americans safe and healthy where they work, live and play. As we mark National Minority Health Month, CDC stands tall on the foundation laid by some of America's great black leaders.

In 1899, W. E. B. Dubois recognized that health is inextricably bound to the total human condition.

Fifteen years later, Booker T. Washington initiated a health improvement week for black Americans, which gained national recognition and is the predecessor of the month we celebrate this April.

We at CDC are in the business of preventing and controlling disease. So, in addition to the Affordable Care Act's provisions to expand health insurance coverage, improve quality and bring down costs, we're especially excited about its role in advancing prevention and helping Americans stay healthy and identify illness early. Despite the proven benefits of preventive tests, screenings, and vaccinations, millions of Americans still don't take advantage of these services because of barriers such as cost.

The Affordable Care Act, in just three years, has already made a contribution to prevention, saving lives and moving our system from a sick care system toward a health care system.

Read more about what the CDC is doing to help you cover the cost of health care at BlackDoctor.Org.

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